Epidemic Killing Bats Across Upstate New York

ALBANY, New York – Bats are dying off by the thousands as they hibernate in caves and mines around New York and Vermont, sending researchers scrambling to find the cause of mysterious condition dubbed "white nose syndrome."

The ailment — named for the white circle of fungus found around the noses of affected bats — was first noticed last January in four caves west of Albany.

It has now spread to eight hibernation sites in the state and another in Vermont.